28619, Drexel, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28619, Drexel, North Carolina is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 69.86 percent of the residents in 28619 has some form of health insurance. 18.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.94 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 28619 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28619. An estimate of 25 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 27 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,413 health care providers accessible to residents in 28619, Drexel, North Carolina.

The analysis below assesses prostate cancer care quality within ZIP code 28619, focusing on Drexel, North Carolina, and its primary care landscape. This evaluation considers factors impacting prostate cancer detection, treatment, and patient support, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the care environment and identify areas of strength and potential improvement.

The foundation of quality prostate cancer care rests upon accessible and responsive primary care. Drexel, as a small community, presents a unique challenge and opportunity in this regard. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and reduced opportunities for preventative care. Researching the precise physician-to-patient ratio within 28619 is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, or the US Census Bureau, combined with data from the American Medical Association (AMA), can provide this critical information.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians (PCPs) is also important. Are they concentrated in a single clinic, or are there multiple practices spread throughout the area? This distribution impacts access for residents in different parts of Drexel. Are there any federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or rural health clinics (RHCs) present? These clinics often provide care to underserved populations and may offer sliding-scale fees, making care more accessible to those with limited financial resources.

Standout practices within 28619 warrant specific attention. Identifying practices with a demonstrated commitment to prostate cancer screening and early detection is critical. This involves looking for practices that actively promote PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing for men over a certain age, and that have established protocols for follow-up and referral to urologists if PSA levels are elevated. Evaluating the availability of advanced imaging technologies, such as MRI, within these practices or nearby facilities is also vital. The presence of these technologies can facilitate more accurate diagnoses and staging of prostate cancer.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important. The ability to conduct virtual consultations can improve access to care, particularly for patients who live in rural areas or have mobility limitations. Assessing the extent to which primary care practices in Drexel offer telemedicine services is crucial. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual appointments for routine check-ups, medication management, and follow-up care. Telemedicine can also be a valuable tool for connecting patients with specialists, such as urologists and oncologists, who may not be readily available in Drexel.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, yet critical, component of comprehensive prostate cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's emotional and psychological well-being. Assessing the availability of mental health support services within 28619 is therefore essential. This includes evaluating the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinical social workers, who are familiar with the unique challenges faced by cancer patients. Do primary care practices offer in-house mental health services, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health providers in the community? Are there support groups or counseling services specifically for men with prostate cancer?

Furthermore, the integration of these services is important. Does the primary care practice coordinate care with specialists, such as urologists and oncologists? Do they offer patient navigators who can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system? A well-coordinated care model can improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on patients and their families.

The quality of prostate cancer care is also impacted by patient education. Are primary care practices proactive in educating patients about prostate cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and treatment options? Do they provide educational materials in multiple formats, such as brochures, websites, and videos? Patient education empowers patients to make informed decisions about their health and to actively participate in their care.

Evaluating the quality of prostate cancer care in Drexel also requires an understanding of the local healthcare infrastructure. Are there hospitals or cancer centers in the immediate vicinity that offer specialized prostate cancer treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy? The availability of these services can significantly impact patient outcomes.

The assessment of prostate cancer care in 28619 should also consider the demographic characteristics of the population. The incidence of prostate cancer varies by race and ethnicity. Are there any disparities in access to care or treatment outcomes among different demographic groups in Drexel? Addressing these disparities is essential to ensuring that all men have equal access to high-quality care.

Finally, the analysis must consider the patient experience. Gathering feedback from patients who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer in Drexel can provide valuable insights into the quality of care they received. This can be done through surveys, interviews, or focus groups. Patient feedback can highlight areas of strength and areas where improvements are needed.

In conclusion, a comprehensive prostate cancer care analysis for Drexel, NC, requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves assessing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, and examining mental health resources. It also necessitates understanding the local healthcare infrastructure, demographic characteristics, and patient experiences. This detailed assessment can help inform decisions about healthcare access and quality within the community. For a visual representation of these factors, and to better understand the geographic distribution of resources and their impact on prostate cancer care in the area, explore CartoChrome maps.